Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 02:44 pm
Neil Maitland Walker, a volunteer from Spelthorne Litter Pickers, was recognised for his environmental efforts and awarded the Environment Champion 2023 title at the Spelthorne and Runnymede Volunteer Awards ceremony on Monday 5th June. The Mayor of Spelthorne and Runnymede presented Neil with a trophy and certificate for his work making the borough a cleaner and greener place.
Cheryl Wright, one of the Trustees of Spelthorne Litter Pickers, praised Neil’s commitment to litter picking. She said: “Neil has been litter picking all his life, making headlines in Saudi Arabia when he managed a hotel there. He was recognised by the Mayor and the environment agency for clearing rubbish from a nearby beach and was even featured in the national press. He goes out in all weathers and is generally one of the first to arrive at group picks. He is a real ‘Womble’, recycling any items he finds, then carrying his picker and carrier bag as he picks his way home, emptying his carrier bag in each rubbish bin he passes.”
Spelthorne Litter Pickers was founded during the lockdown in 2020 and recently welcomed their 1,000th member. The team was also nominated for the Team Category of the Spelthorne and Runnymede Volunteer Awards 2023. Shirley Lunn, Chair and Co-Founder of SLP, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of the local community to the group. When we started, we thought we might manage to recruit 20 volunteers, so to reach 1,000 is just incredible! Our members adopt areas near their homes, cleaning up as they walk the dog, do the school run or fetch the morning paper, as well as taking part in group picks. We are grateful to Spelthorne Borough Council for their vital financial and practical support.”
Anyone interested in joining Spelthorne Litter Pickers can find them on Facebook or email spelthornelitterpickers@gmail.com.
On Monday 5th June, Neil Maitland Walker, a volunteer from Spelthorne Litter Pickers, was presented with the Environment Champion 2023 award at the Spelthorne and Runnymede Volunteer Awards ceremony. The award recognises Neil’s efforts to make the borough a cleaner and greener place.
Cheryl Wright, one of the Trustees of Spelthorne Litter Pickers, commented on Neil’s dedication to litter picking: “He has been litter picking all his life, making headlines in Saudi Arabia when he managed a hotel there. He was recognised by the Mayor and the environment agency for clearing rubbish from a nearby beach and was even featured in the national press. He goes out in all weathers and is generally one of the first to arrive at group picks. He is a real ‘Womble’, recycling any items he finds, then carrying his picker and carrier bag as he picks his way home, emptying his carrier bag in each rubbish bin he passes.”
Spelthorne Litter Pickers was founded during the lockdown in 2020 and recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary by welcoming their 1,000th member. The team was also nominated for the Team Category of the Spelthorne and Runnymede Volunteer Awards 2023. Shirley Lunn, Chair and Co-Founder of SLP, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response of the local community to the group. When we started, we thought we might manage to recruit 20 volunteers, so to reach 1,000 is just incredible! Our members adopt areas near their homes, cleaning up as they walk the dog, do the school run or fetch the morning paper, as well as taking part in group picks. We are grateful to Spelthorne Borough Council for their vital financial and practical support.”
On Monday 5th June, Neil Maitland Walker was presented with the Environment Champion 2023 award at the Spelthorne and Runnymede Volunteer Awards ceremony for his environmental efforts in the borough. Neil was praised by Cheryl Wright, one of the Trustees of Spelthorne Litter Pickers, for his commitment to litter picking and recycling.
Spelthorne Litter Pickers recently celebrated their 3rd anniversary and welcomed their 1,000th member. The team are supported by Spelthorne Borough Council with vital financial and practical support. Anyone interested in joining Spelthorne Litter Pickers can find them on Facebook or email spelthornelitterpickers@gmail.com.
